Big Boy....

So, I am at that almost desperate point that most parents of boys reach with potty training. Luke was doing pretty well....until I had my surgery. Then it all went out the window. We're finally back to doing.....okay. I decided to try the "you can't pee in these pants" thing today and bought him his first pairs of big boy underwear. We'll see how that goes. I suspect not well, but hey, it's worth a try.

Being that I've never been the biggest fan of tighty-whities, I looked for something a little different. He came home with boxers and boxer briefs. He started out wanting to wear the briefs, but that lasted all of about 3 minutes. He's been running around in boxers since. I think they're pretty cute, and he seems happy, so at least THAT is a step in the right direction. Oh, how I dream of no more diaper bag and no more pull-ups! Seriously, the cloth diapers were so much easier...and cheaper.

Then there is the subject of a bath.

An actual bath. Luke doesn't usually get baths, he showers with daddy. He used to shower with me, but since I couldn't do a whole lot in November because of the surgery, we decided that was the time to switch parents. Sometimes, however, the shower doesn't occur because of daddy's work schedule....which isn't really a schedule. Such is the life of a power plant family. On those nights he still takes a dip in the tub. And I end up doing a bunch of laundry. Why? Well, take a look (pardon the nudity...at least he's still a toddler and can get away with it!):


So, my little man continues to grow up on me. In ways it is WONDERFUL! But I get a little teary each day when I see just how big he is and the new things he learns. I guess every mom feels that way, but it doesn't make it any easier to see your baby gaining a little independence....

For The Love Of Pete!

Good grief, people! When it is snowing and the road is a giant, slushy sheet of ice, do NOT cut other vehicles off!

We made a little trip to the North side of Denver today. It was nice when we left, but we also were aware the weather was going to change. We went prepared. It was a little wild to see exactly where the front was. This big, dark cloud bank greeted us at the Air Force Academy. From then on, it was cold. Fine by me...this is, afterall, WINTER! We also saw some flurries, but nothing exciting.

We made it to Brighton without incident, saw to our errand, had lunch at Chik-fil-A (seriously, it's a huge treat for us...we don't have them in Pueblo!), and started home. The North part of Denver was fine, South side was snowy and a bit slick. No big deal, though. People were driving just fine. Then it cleared out a bit, just sort of wet.

Outside of Castle Rock it got nasty! Traffic did slow down, but Jeff and I both commented on how amazing it is to see people still bunched together. Funny thing was that those of us with 4-wheel drive and/or larger vehicles were the ones keeping distance and being more respectful. The small cars were going faster and keeping too close to others. Weird. Anyway, this is where it gets a bit wild.

I was driving, which I'm completely comfortable with, but was also aware the road was no longer just wet. A car in the right lane decided they wanted to move over and essentially cut us off. Not a huge deal under normal circumstances, but without even touching the brakes we slid all over the road (was in 2nd gear and let off the gas). I was sure we were going to hit someone. Idiot. On the plus side, my wonderful 4Runner kicked into gear, applied the traction control (while beeping to let me know we were sliding...kind of funny, really!), and just did what it needed while I did what I needed by turning into the slide, then the other way as we switched slide directions, again without being on the gas or brakes (thank goodness for driver's ed in the snow!) How in the world there was nobody next to us is still a mystery to me (I was positive someone was in the left lane next to us...but by the time we slid that way the lane was deserted), but I'm glad! I promptly locked us into 4-wheel until we were off the pass and Jeff let that person know what he thought of them. It was put back on when we reached Monument Hill because conditions were the same. We've already seen a number of vehicles off the road, all of them with out-of-state plates. Seriously, people were sliding all over the place through the Palmer Divide and on Monument Hill!

So, the next time you're on the road during a snowstorm, don't assume the road underneath is clear and be nice to your neighbor. Even if they're not nice to you. We were lucky, but that won't always be the case.....

January?

I just can't believe it's January! The past two days have pushed us into temperatures above 60 degrees. It's been sunny, too! I had to water the lawn yesterday because we simply have not had enough moisture to keep the grass from dying over the winter months. I even managed to transplant a few mums into the portion of the yard I plan to make into a hummingbird and butterfly garden! I'd say it's the January thaw, but we really haven't been frozen.

Yes, yes, we managed to get a good snowfall last month. Yes, we spent a few days in the single digits. Yes, we thought winter had arrived. But, apparently, it hasn't. The snow melted and the temperatures rose again. I think even the plant life is confused!

I mentioned that the leaves here turned early this year, and the animals started shedding early. We thought we were in for a cold winter. The more we watched things around us, the more we believed that. It could still happen....we've got a lot of time left before spring. I also mentioned that I believed it would be a dry winter for us. So far that one has rang true. Yippee. It's good that the mountains have received a large amount of snow, though...it'll help our water situation come summer. It would just be nice to have some white stuff.

Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be over it and complaining come March. That's our snowiest month. February is generally the coldest. I'll be over it soon enough and aching to get into the high country for some serious hiking, camping, and playing. I'm already itchy for that because I have set plans to climb two 14'ers this year...including Mt. Elbert. The highest peak in Colorado at 14, 433 feet high! I can't wait! So, for now I'll enjoy this beautiful weather and wait out our strange winter.....

Happy New Year!

There is a wonderful tradition that is carried on here in the Pikes Peak region on this night. It's one that I look forward to each year because it's unique. It is all to honor the original "frozen five" from 1922.

You see, in 1922, five men decided that the standard social parties and affairs for New Year's Eve were just too boring. The opted to do something that nobody had ever done before: climb Pikes Peak in the dead of winter. These men were Fred and Ed Morath, Fred Barr, Willis Magee and Harry Standley. We now have a trail named after Fred Barr on that mountain...due, in part, to the fact he actually built the Barr Trail. This happens to be the trail that is still in use on this night, though these original men used the Cog Railway trail. It may be shorter by 3 miles, but it is also extremely steep, slippery, and dangerous.

Anyway, these men took off and climbed to the top of the 14,110 foot mountain in minimal cold weather gear. That stuff just didn't exist in 1922! They eventually made it up through the deep, deep snow drifts and pushed through the high winds to the summit house. Inside, they lit a fire in the potbellied stove to warm up, sang songs, ate, and goofed around until midnight. At that time they lit flares and other fireworks for the city of Colorado Springs to see. It freaked the people of the city out that night, but it began a wonderful tradition.


1923 saw the beginning of the Adaman club. Each year the club adds only one man to the club (Adaman = add a man), sets off on the 30th of December, no matter the weather, on the Barr Trail to the summit of this great mountain. They camp overnight about halfway up and make the summit usually around 2 or 3pm on New Year's Eve. Then they warm up, eat, goof around, set off 5 shells at 9pm to honor the Frozen Five, and wait for the stroke of midnight. At that time, they entertain all of the area with a fantastic display of fireworks.


Bearing in mind we are approximately 40 miles from Pikes Peak, we actually have an amazing view. In all actuality, the past 2 year you could see the fireworks for about 150 miles! Wow! Tonight? Well, if the clouds remain as mountain wave clouds (meaning they don't actually lay on the peaks, but leave a wave of clear sky over them), we'll be able to see them again. I hope so, because it's an amazing thing! It's a tradition that I absolutely love, and I hope others in the area appreciate it as much as I do.

I hope and pray that all of you have a wonderful and safe night. May you have a fantastic 2009 with nothing but fond memories from 2008. Happy New Year!

Argh, Matey!

Talk about a very merry Christmas! Look at what is now in my backyard!!! Welcome to your new "home," Catch 24!

She actually was just bought today by our friend, Jason, but he and Jeff are sailing partners. Rather, they will be once they can get onto the water. They are in this whole thing as a joint venture. As such, Catch is staying here because we have the room for her, and we live a whopping 2'ish miles from the main body of water they will be sailing on. Frankly, I think it's pretty cool.

I now need to come up with a name for a blog for these two crazy men. That's my mission in all of this: to blog about their journeys. Well, that, and keeping the cabin in good shape (I volunteered that info tonight, much to their shock)...but mostly I'll be blogging. When I come up with a name and get things going, I'll share it.

In the meantime, we'll enjoy the winter and make sure she's exactly how the guys want her to be for the spring thaw. I'm sure they're already twitching and stomping in wait, but what a wonderful Christmas present to each other!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours.....

Christmas Eve
Tear it up!
Front Loader!
Welsh Pony in a load spreader?
Front Loader!
Tear it up, again!Looking at you!
Luke's Bounty

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

After a couple of days baking chocolate chip, pumpkin chocolate chip, sugar with frosting, and apple-berry oatmeal cookies along making 3 batches of english toffee for our friends and neighbors, I now have a spare moment to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas!

I apologize to all that no cards have been sent. It seems time completely got away from me! I will be getting them off, but they obviously won't make it in time for Christmas.

We are so looking forward to tomorrow morning with our little man! This is the first year he's not just looked at the lights, he tells us all about them. He is aware of the presents under the tree, though he's still not entirely sure what they're about. He can tell anyone who asks who each member of the Holy Family is, and he'll also tell about Christ's friends in the stable. He knows who Santa is, but he was a little afraid of him this year. Bummer for us, no pictures. That's okay, there are many more important things!

The only real boogie about this year is that we got smacked with a bunch of snow almost 2 weeks ago. There's still quite a bit out there, and we received about an inch yesterday. Today is windy, which around here doesn't bode well for the remaining snow. Tomorrow is supposed to be above 50, which means no White Christmas. Again, more important things in life, but the card-like scenes are a nice touch.

Tonight we will be attending the 11pm candlelight service at the Methodist church in downtown Pueblo. Yes, our church has the late candlelight services, as well, but we've attended the other each year since we've been here and it's a lovely setting. Tomorrow morning will be fun, complete with sausage balls and chocolate twists for breakfast (more baking???).

From our family to all of you, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!